Michigan Lady Hunters: DNR Offers Shooting, Archery and Hunting Workshops for Women in August

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July 26, 2011
The Department of Natural Resources is offering a variety of opportunities for women to learn more about shooting, archery and hunting this August, through its Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program. These hands-on workshops, designed primarily for those 18 and older, teach women the skills needed to take part in outdoor recreational activities.
"This August, women can learn how to shoot a shotgun, a rifle, a bow or how to hunt for deer," said BOW program coordinator Sue Tabor. "Even if you've never held a gun or a bow before, here's a great chance to get your feet wet in a fun and friendly atmosphere."
August BOW programs are taking place in the metro Detroit, Grand Rapids and Saginaw areas.
For registration forms and more information on the following BOW programs, visit www.michigan.gov/bow, call 517-241-2225 or email dnr-outdoors-woman@michigan.gov.
Introduction to Rifle Shooting
Saturday, Aug. 6, 3 to 6 p.m.
Hosted by Detroit Sportsmen's Congress
49800 Dequindre Rd., Utica
This class will consist of the National Rifle Association's FIRST Steps rifle course, presenting firearm safety with video and computer graphics in the classroom. Instructors will discuss firearms actions and component parts, ammunition basics, basic shooting positions and firearms for recreational and sporting uses. A hands-on firearms display will be set up for students to handle and become comfortable with the unloaded firearms, with certified instructors available to answer questions. Live fire will take place at an indoor range, using .22 rimfire firearms and supervised by certified instructors at all times. Ammunition, eye and ear protection will be provided. Participants are asked to not bring their own firearms to this class. Youngsters 10 and older are welcome to attend but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Cost per person is $30 (adults and youth) to cover ammunition and class materials. This class is first-come, first-served and is limited to 24 participants.
Introduction to Shotgun Shooting
Thursday, Aug, 11, 6 to 9 p.m.
Hosted by Saginaw Field and Stream Club
1296 N. Gleaner Rd., Saginaw
For beginners as well as those who would like to sharpen their shotgun skills, this shooting clinic provides one-on-one instruction. With an emphasis on firearm safety, participants will learn and practice shotgun shooting technique, how to determine their dominant eye, proper stance and firearm fit. Attendees may bring their own shotgun to this class or one will be provided for their use. Only 20-gauge ammunition will be provided; those bringing their own 12-gauge shotgun will need to provide their own ammunition. Eye and ear protection will be available. Cost per person is $30. The class is first-come, first-served, and class size is limited.
Introduction to Archery
Saturday, Aug. 13, 9 a.m. to noon
Hosted by Detroit Sportsmen's Congress
49800 Dequindre Rd., Utica
No skill level is required for this workshop, which will cover safety, dominant eye, proper shooting form/technique, various archery equipment, maintenance and selection. The course will also provide hands-on practice shooting a bow with assistance by instructors. All equipment will be provided. Girls 10 and older are welcome to attend, but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Cost for both adults and youngsters is $20 each. This class is first-come, first-served and is limited to 24 participants.
Introduction to Shotgun Shooting
Wednesday, Aug. 17, 5 to 9 p.m.
Hosted by Caledonia Sportsman's Club
10721 Coldwater Road SE, Alto
The Great Lakes Outdoors Foundation will provide one-on-one instruction in this class for beginners as well as those who would like to sharpen their shotgun skills. With an emphasis on firearm safety, participants will learn and practice shotgun shooting technique, how to determine their dominant eye, proper stance and firearm fit. Attendees may bring their own shotgun to this class or one will be provided for their use. Eye and ear protection also will be available. Cost is $30 per person, including ammunition.
Deer Hunting Workshop
Saturday, Aug. 20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hosted by Detroit Archers Club
5795 Drake Rd., West Bloomfield
Learn the basics necessary to successfully take part in one of Michigan's favorite hunting traditions in this workshop that will cover both archery and firearms deer seasons. Participants will learn about deer hunting regulations, rules, and deer health; deer hunting equipment and scent control; scouting and habitat - where to find deer and places to hunt; safety and hunting etiquette in the field; and caring for and processing game after the harvest. The $20-per-person cost includes lunch and all materials.
Introduction to Archery
Wednesday, Aug. 24, 5 to 9 p.m.
Hosted by Caledonia Sportsman's Club
10721 Coldwater Road SE, Alto
No skill level is required for this workshop, which will cover safety, dominant eye, proper shooting form/technique, various archery equipment, maintenance and selection. The course will also provide hands-on practice at an indoor range, shooting a bow with assistance by instructors. All equipment will be provided. Cost is $15 per person. This class is first-come, first-served and is limited to 10 participants.
Women's Hunter Education Safety Course
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27-28
Hosted by Tuscola County Conservation Club
1060 Gun Club Rd., Caro
This is the perfect class for anyone who has been interested in learning how to hunt, or to use a firearm, but has been nervous to get started. Women and girls age 12 and up are welcome to take part. Participants must attend both days to take the hunter education safety standard test and take home their certificate. Beverages and morning snacks will be provided; attendees are asked to bring their own sack lunch both days. Early registration is encouraged, as the class is limited to 25 participants and is first-come, first-served. Cost is $10 per person.
BOW is a noncompetitive program for women, in which each individual is encouraged to learn at her own pace. The emphasis is on the enjoyment, fun and camaraderie of outdoor activities, and sharing in the success of one another.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

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Wisconsin Hunters: Operation Deer Watch 2011 helps biologists monitor deer populations

Image via WikipediaMADISON – Wildlife researchers are asking hunters and wildlife watchers to continue sending in summer deer observations during August and September.

In 2010, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources launched Operation Deer Watch, a new summer deer observation effort involving outdoor enthusiasts and hunters. Summer deer observations have been part of DNR deer management program for more than 50 years but until last season only staff observations and those of other resource and law enforcement professionals were recorded.

The number of deer seen with and without fawns are indicators of annual deer herd production. Data from Operation Deer Watch will be used with DNR observations to help determine the fawn-to-doe ratio. The vast amount of observation data that citizens can provide will help the wildlife biologists effectively and accurately monitor Wisconsin’s deer reproduction.

“We ask that you continue to participate in this important survey by taking the time to document information about your summer deer observations,” said Brian Dhuey, DNR wildlife surveys researcher. “The results from Operation Deer Watch become more meaningful as we gather many years of summer deer observations and can monitor production trends.”

The department is interested in sightings of bucks, does and fawns. Last summer, Operation Deer Watch generated more than 4,000 observations. A total of 9,662 deer were observed by 1,378 individual observers during August and September 2010. The statewide estimate for the 2010 fawn-to-doe ratio using Operation Deer Watch data was 89 fawns per 100 does.

To participate in the survey, go to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website and keyword search “operation deer watch.” Once on the web page, watch the video survey instructions and then click on the link to the survey to record your sightings. A tally sheet (pdf) is available to record information about deer observations when people do not have access to computers.

Dhuey says it is important that all information be filled out for each observation.
“Please ensure that the date, deer management unit, and the type and number of deer observed are recorded, without this information the data are of little value,” he says.

The survey period begins August 1 and continues until Sept. 30. A report summarizing the results of your 2011 deer observations will be produced at the end of the survey period and sent to all individuals who enter their email address on every observation form.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian Dhuey at (608) 221-6342 or Jes Rees at (608) 221-6360

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Michigan: Fall Turkey Hunters Reminded of Reduced Quota in Upper Peninsula

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July 25, 2011
As the Aug. 1 deadline for fall wild turkey hunting license applications nears, the Department of Natural Resources reminds Upper Peninsula hunters that the quota for licenses was cut dramatically this year.
"For the last few years Upper Peninsula fall turkey hunters have been able to purchase leftover licenses over the counter," said DNR upland game bird specialist Al Stewart. "But with the reduction in the quota from 4,000 licenses to 1,500, there may not be many - if any - leftovers available this fall."
Fall turkey season runs from Sept. 15 to Nov. 14 statewide. Fall turkey hunters are allowed to harvest a bird of either sex. The Upper Peninsula quota was cut this season to assure enough hens survive into the spring breeding season.
"The Upper Peninsula wild turkey population is large enough to warrant a fall season, but we want to take a conservative approach to make sure we maintain a robust population," Stewart said. "If you don't apply for a license, you could find yourself left out."
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

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Ohio Hunters|Northwestern Ohio Special Controlled Waterfowl Hunt Drawings

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Wildlife District Two Special Controlled Waterfowl Hunt Drawings

Waterfowl hunters are invited to participate in the following controlled waterfowl hunt drawings:
Pickerel Creek Opening Day Teal Hunt Drawing
This drawing will be for opening day of the early teal season.  Pending the season dates, if the second hunt day is on Labor Day, applicants will be drawn for that day also.  The morning drawing is open to adults and youth.  The afternoon drawing on opening day is reserved for youth only.  Hunters must send a 4” x 6” postcard to the Wildlife District Two Office; 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio 45840.  Entries for the Teal / Early Goose drawing must have cards post marked by August 11.  Only one entry per hunter.   Include name, address and phone number on the card.  Postcards need to be labeled at the top for the particular hunt in which the hunter is applying (Adult Teal; Youth Teal).
Pickerel Creek Opening Day Waterfowl Hunt Drawing
This drawing will be for opening day of the regular waterfowl season.  The morning drawing is open to adults and youth.  The afternoon drawing on opening day is reserved for youth only.  Hunters must send a 4” x 6” postcard to the Wildlife District Two Office; 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay, Ohio 45840.  Entries for the opening day waterfowl hunt must have cards post marked by September 15.  Only one entry per hunter.   Include name, address and phone number on the card.  Postcards need to be labeled at the top for the particular hunt in which the hunter is applying (Adult Waterfowl; Youth Waterfowl).
Pipe Creek / East Sandusky Bay MetroPark
A special drawing will be held for both areas on Thursday, August 18 at 6:30 pm at the Osborn Park in Huron for permits to hunt the area during the special teal / early goose and the regular waterfowl seasons.  Registration will be from 5:00 pm to 6:20 pm.  Osborn Park is located at 3910 Perkins Ave.; Huron, OH 44839.
Magee Marsh Teal and Early Goose Drawing
A special drawing will be held on Saturday, August 20 at 2:00 pm at the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area for permits to hunt the area during the special teal / early goose season.  Registration will be from 12 noon to 1:45 pm.

Minnesota Hunters: August 19th Deadline for Applications for Camp Ripley Archery Hunts

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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) began accepting applications on July 21 for the 2011 regular archery deer hunts at Camp Ripley near Little Falls.
Hunters may pick from only one of two hunting seasons, Oct. 20-21 (Th.-Fri.; code 668) or Oct. 29-30 (Sat.-Sun.; code 669). A total of 5,000 permits, 2,500 per two-day hunt, will be made available. Successful applicants must purchase a valid archery license at least two days before their hunt to participate. The bag limit for this year’s hunt is two, and bonus permits may be used to take antlerless deer.
Hunters may choose from four options to apply for the Camp Ripley archery hunts:

• through the DNR’s computerized Electronic Licensing System (ELS) at any one of 1,500 ELS agents located throughout Minnesota
• by telephone at 888-665-4236
• through DNR’s Internet licensing link
• at the DNR License Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul.

The application fee for the hunt is $8 per applicant. The application deadline is Aug. 19. Those who apply by phone or Internet will be charged an additional convenience fee of 3 percent ($0.24) per transaction.
To apply, resident hunters 21 and older must provide a valid state driver’s license or public safety identification number. Residents under 21 may also provide a DNR firearms safety training number to apply. Nonresident hunters must apply using a valid driver’s license number, public safety identification number, or MDNR customer number from a recent Minnesota hunting or fishing license.
All applicants must be at least 10 years old prior to the hunt they apply for. In addition, anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1980, must have a firearms safety certificate or other evidence of successfully completing a hunter safety course to obtain a license to hunt or trap in Minnesota.
Hunters may apply as individuals or as a group, up to four individuals. Group members may only apply for the same two-day season. The first group applicant must specify “Create New Group” when asked, and will receive a group number. Subsequent group applicants must specify they want to “Join an Existing Group” and must use the same group number supplied to the first group applicant.
The archery hunt at Camp Ripley is an annual event. The DNR coordinates the hunt with the Department of Military Affairs, which manages the 53,000-acre military reservation.

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Minnesota Hunters and Fishermen|More ‘keeper’ walleyes to be allowed on Mille Lacs; hunting application deadlines approaching fast

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Minnesota’s state government shutdown will not affect upcoming hunting seasons or prevent a mid-season walleye regulation change at Lake Mille Lacs.
“Some application deadlines are approaching fast but that’s the only significant impact to hunters,” said Ed Boggess, director of the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Fish and Wildlife Division. “On the angling side, we moved quickly to implement a more liberal walleye length limit regulation on Lake Mille Lacs.” The upcoming regulation change is based on an evaluation of the 2011 walleye harvest through June 30 that deemed a change was warranted.
Effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, the walleye length limit regulation on Lake Mille Lacs will change to a 20- to 28-inch protected slot. Currently the walleye regulation is an 18- to 28-inch protected slot.
As DNR services resume operation, the following items relate to hunters and anglers:

• Fishing and hunting licenses: They are again available at any of the state’s 1,500 license agents, as well as over the Internet or by phone.
• Bear license purchase deadline: Hunters who successfully applied in the 2011 bear license lottery must purchase their license by Aug. 1. Licenses that are not purchased will go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Thursday, Aug. 4. Bear baiting can legally begin Friday, Aug. 12.
• Fall turkey/prairie chicken: The application deadline for fall turkey and prairie chicken licenses is Friday, July 29. Applications may be made online, by calling toll-free 888-665-4236, or through the electronic licensing system wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
• Deer hunting: Licenses will go on sale Aug. 1. The deadline for lottery either-sex permit applications and special deer hunts is Thursday, Sept. 8. The firearms deer season opens Nov. 5. The Camp Ripley archery hunt will be held as scheduled, as will special youth and state park deer hunts. One potential exception is the St. Croix State Park youth deer hunt. The feasibility of going forward with that hunt is under evaluation because of widespread damage to the park from high winds on July 1. Additional information will be announced later.
• Hunting regulations booklet: Printed copies of this year’s regulation booklet won’t be available until mid-August but an online version should be available Aug. 1.
• Waterfowl hunting: Hunting season decisions will be made in mid-August.

South Dakota Hunters|Snail Mail Application Deadline has passed|Still Opportunity for Online Applications for Big Game Hunting

Image via Wikipedia Paper applications for Black Hills Deer and West River Deer needed to be postmarked by 7/22/2011.

Online applications must be submitted by 8:00 AM, CDT Tues, July 26.  To apply online, visit: http://gfp.sd.gov/hunting/licenses/default.aspx

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